Risk genes in head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of last 5 years

Abstract

Head and Neck Carcinoma (HNC), of which the majority are squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN), is the sixth most prevalent cancers in mankind and, presents high morbidity and low rates of survival.1 It is known that the apoptotic and proliferation genes are involved in cancer development and these could be useful as a biomarker of this pathology. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis allow stronger and more generalized conclusions for identifying some models of risk markers. These models may help in screening, early diagnosis and/or therapy in the clinic.2-5 In recent decades, there has been increased interest in genetic predisposition studies in complex disease. This has led to the production of an enormous number of epidemiologic papers about the relationship between genetic polymorphism and disease. However, the magnitude of association between specific polymorphism and disease is still not established. The identification of a predictive model of risk polymorphisms could help in early diagnosis, and in understanding disease recurrence and/or progression in the subset of patients